Buffalo Rumblings - All PostsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2018-02-17T12:00:02-05:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/current/2018-02-17T12:00:02-05:002018-02-17T12:00:02-05:00My favorite 2018 NFL Draft resources summary
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<p>If you’re looking to learn more about the 2018 draft, here’s where to start</p> <p id="56OKCG">Say you’re a Buffalo <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Bills</a> fan interested in learning more about the 2018 draft prospects and which players fit into Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott’s Process. Where would you start? Interest in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> is continuing to rise, leading to an overwhelming amount of two-bit sites dedicated to mock drafts and prospect rankings. Below, I give you a rundown of sites and analysts draft fans should explore as they formulate opinions on the 300+ players available in the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite all the sites and resources listed below, you should still keep it here at Buffalo Rumblings, as we will be publishing much more draft content in the coming months.</p>
<h3 id="Gar1iQ">Start with the Tape. It doesn’t lie.</h3>
<p id="NhmtFP">Obviously, in order to garner a finer understanding of prospects, the best thing to do is to watch full game breakdowns. <a href="http://draftbreakdown.com">Draftbreakdown</a> has been the leader in posting truncated prospect Youtube videos for years. Recently though, the site owners have stated they don’t have the revenue to maintain a website full-time, and have stopped posting videos as a result. The only other reliable online option is Youtube itself. Type in a particular prospect, and sift through various highlight videos until you find a full game. </p>
<h3 id="ZCexyj">Move on to prospect rankings</h3>
<p id="OI2qeB">Overall rankings, as well as those based on positions, are a great way to see how the various draft analysts stack prospects against one another. Everyone knows that ESPN’s <a href="http://www.espn.com/search/results/_/q/todd%2520mcshay#gsc.tab=0&amp;gsc.q=mel%20kiper">Mel Kiper</a> and <a href="http://www.espn.com/search/results/_/q/todd%2520mcshay#gsc.tab=0&amp;gsc.q=todd%20mcshay">Todd McShay</a> regularly rank the top prospects, but their articles are usually behind the ESPN Insider paywall. An alternative to those two is NFL.com’s <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fnews%2Fauthor%3Fid%3D09000d5d82906849" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Daniel Jeremiah</a>. Jeremiah posts his top 50 prospects about once a month and, as a former scout for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/baltimore-ravens">Ravens</a>, his opinions carry some weight. If you’re looking for a unique take on most prospects, you should also check out former Buffalo Rumblings editor and current CBS Sports NFL Draft writer <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/">Chris Trapasso’s</a> rankings. Chris isn’t afraid to carry some unorthodox opinions about particular prospects. </p>
<h3 id="9lsCLV">Go in-depth with scouting reports</h3>
<p id="4Bd4yY">Most football fans don’t have the time to watch tape on 300 players, so scouting reports serve as quick recaps of those players’ individual strengths and weaknesses. The key is finding a writer or analyst you can find common ground with and sticking with him or her. Running up to the draft, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fdraft" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus</a> posts individual scouting reports on most draft-eligible players. Their reports are somewhat informed by their college statistics they compile. <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nfl.com%2Fdraft%2Fhome" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lance Zierlein</a> has begun to put together his short scouting reports for NFL.com. As the son of longtime offensive line coach Larry Zierlein, he provides great insight into the play of college guards, centers, and tackles. <a href="https://mattwaldmanrsp.com">Matt Waldman</a>, of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio, is unique in that his RSP Boiler Room videos aren’t comprehensive reviews, but they’re more about one or two aspects of a prospects game.</p>
<h3 id="tnk2A0">Keep up to date with draft rumors</h3>
<p id="gQXcnQ">Formulating your own opinion about draft prospects is great, but what ultimately matters to Bills fans is what Brandon Beane and the Bills’ scouts think, as well as what other teams plan to do at the top of the draft. To remain current on any and all draft rumors, <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Tony Pauline</a> of <a href="http://draftanalyst.com">draftanalyst.com</a> frequently posts and tweets information he’s hearing from NFL scouts and GMs. In his Scouting Notebook columns that run each Friday, Bleacher Report’s <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/396992-matt-miller">Matt Miller</a> also drops tidbits of knowledge from his various scouting contacts.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/17/17010570/2018-nfl-draft-resources-summary-buffalo-bills-scouting-informationgrif2018-02-17T07:29:54-05:002018-02-17T07:29:54-05:00Free agent CB Vontae Davis leaves Buffalo without contract
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<p>The veteran CB is making his rounds </p> <p id="ZcZYya">On Thursday, it was <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/15/17017866/nfl-offseason-2018-cornerback-free-agent-vontae-davis-visiting-the-buffalo-bills">reported</a> that former <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/indianapolis-colts">Indianapolis Colts</a> cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71148/vontae-davis">Vontae Davis</a> was on a free agent visit with the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a>. This seems to just be Davis doing the rounds as he left Buffalo without a deal in place. </p>
<p id="fJcANG">After leaving Buffalo, Davis spent Friday in Cleveland with the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/cleveland-browns">Browns</a> according to <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/964585726045278208">ESPN’s Adam Schefter</a>. Schefter also reported that Davis has more visits scheduled for next week, although he didn’t specify what teams will be visiting with the veteran CB.</p>
<p id="jtidJH">According to NFL free agency rules, Davis doesn’t have to wait until the new league year starts to sign with a team because he was released by the Colts before the end of the 2017 campaign. </p>
<p id="ZWmjub"> The Bills could be in the market for a new defensive back with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245811/e-j-gaines">E.J. Gaines</a> entering free agency in a few weeks. However, Davis has battled injuries for the last two seasons and is quickly approaching his 30th birthday. Throwing big money at him could be a risky move for any team. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/17/17022456/2018-free-agent-cornerback-vontae-davis-leaves-buffalo-bills-without-contract-cleveland-brownsWill Kennedy2018-02-17T07:00:00-05:002018-02-17T07:00:00-05:00Bills Links, 2/17: Plenty of free agency questions
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<p>The start of free agency is less than one month away</p> <p id="M3IiSa">The official start of the NFL free agency period is less than one month away, and there are plenty of questions around what the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> will do. The team has a number of notable unrestricted free agents including <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245811/e-j-gaines">E.J. Gaines</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245630/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a>, and will be active to some extent when pursuing other options around the league. The team has already hosted former Indianapolis Colt <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71148/vontae-davis">Vontae Davis</a>, who left Thursday without a deal in place.</p>
<p id="ldIETq">Today’s edition of the Bills Links also includes discussion on Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245778/josh-allen">Josh Allen</a> and much more.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Pekwwf">
<p id="uLryOd"><a href="http://buffalonews.com/2018/02/17/bn-blitz-newsletter-what-should-the-bills-go-shopping-for-in-free-agency/">[BN] Blitz newsletter: What should the Bills go shopping for in free agency? – The Buffalo News</a><br>A great question with the start of free agency just a week away.</p>
<p id="vihqlb"><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/articles/opinion/bills-free-agency-are-special-teamers-anderson-thomas-worth-bringing-back">Bills Free Agency: Are special-teamers Anderson, Thomas worth bringing back? | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br>The contracts for the two safeties are expiring this offseason</p>
<p id="TbenaV"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/02/buffalo_bills_need_to_pay_cornerback_ej_gaines_to_stay_says_espn_insider.html#incart_river_index">Buffalo Bills need to pay cornerback E.J. Gaines to stay, says ESPN Insider | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>Field Yates believes that the Bills need to re-sign E.J. Gaines.</p>
<p id="X0XgQ7"><a href="https://www.wkbw.com/sports/bills/report-buffalo-bills-host-cb-vontae-davis-on-free-agent-visit">Report: Buffalo Bills host CB Vontae Davis on free agent visit - WKBW.com</a><br>It’s not quite the start of the league year in the National Football League just yet, but the Buffalo Bills are already getting a jump start on building their roster for the 2018 season.</p>
<p id="YuZdc6"><a href="http://billswire.usatoday.com/2018/02/15/buffalo-bills-salary-cap-tyrod-taylor-lesean-mccoy-kelvin-benjamin/">2018 NFL salary cap: 5 creative ways for Bills to improve flexibility this offseason | Bills Wire</a><br>Looking at potential salary cap casualties, contract restructures, and extensions that could create salary cap room for the Buffalo Bills</p>
<p id="xWiVcb"><a href="https://www.lockedonbills.com/bills/offseason-roster-breakdown-part-5-ol/">Offseason Roster Breakdown: Part 5 - OL - Locked On Bills</a><br>Nate and Jason breakdown the Bills OL positions, in part 5 of the offseason roster breakdown series.</p>
<p id="vnThrd"><a href="https://www.cover1.net/in-the-media-erik-turner-joined-wgr550s-howard-simon-to-discuss-qbs-sam-darnold-and-lamar-jackson/">In the Media | Erik Turner Joined WGR550's Howard Simon to Discuss QBs Sam Darnold and Lamar Jackson | Cover 1</a><br>Erik Turner joined Howard Simonto discuss two very unique Quarterbacks in this <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> class.</p>
<p id="ieUYWo"><a href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/Bills-Today-Buffalo-among-teams-that-need-to-dominate-the-draft/acae86ea-3574-4551-bad9-1a8a8d0b61f3">Bills Today: Buffalo among teams that need to dominate the draft - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>Here's the Bills news of note for February 16th.</p>
<p id="7fymkR"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/02/buffalo_bills_ranked_next_to_last_to_forever_end_their_super_bowl_drought_by_nfl.html#incart_river_index">Buffalo Bills ranked next to last to forever end their Super Bowl drought by NFL.com | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>NFL.com's Dan Hanzus doesn't see a Super Bowl in Buffalo's future.</p>
<p id="ZLvXcD"><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/articles/news/mccarron-wins-grievance-will-be-available-march">McCarron wins grievance, will be available in March | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/cincinnati-bengals">Bengals</a>' backup quarterback has started just four games in four years</p>
<p id="zabc2O"><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/articles/opinion/intentional-scouting-lamar-jackson">Intentional Scouting: Lamar Jackson | WGR 550 SportsRadio</a><br>For the better part of two years, Lamar Jackson was the most dynamic player on the field in every game he played.</p>
<p id="lFy2Iv"><a href="http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2018/02/2018_nfl_mock_draft_should_the_buffalo_bills_consider_qb_josh_allen_if_he_falls.html#incart_river_index">2018 NFL Mock Draft: Should the Buffalo Bills consider QB Josh Allen if he falls? | NewYorkUpstate.com</a><br>The Wyoming quarterback has been a polarizing prospect.</p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/17/17022778/bills-links-2-17-plenty-of-free-agency-questions-for-buffalo-preston-brown-ej-gainesAnthony Marino2018-02-16T11:00:08-05:002018-02-16T11:00:08-05:00Vote: Projecting a new contract for Preston Brown
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<p>Is the NFL’s leading tackler worth a huge contract?</p> <p id="OPpNDS">In 2017, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245630/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a> led the NFL in tackles (144) and played 99.81% of the snaps on the defense, calling the plays and acting as the man to put people into the right spots. But <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294117/preston-brown">Brown</a> is a free agent and with about $21 million in available salary cap space to sign free agents, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> will need to be prudent about who they sign long-term. Is Brown one of those guys?</p>
<h2 id="KYGZar">Previous contract</h2>
<p id="6A3yV6">Buffalo drafted Brown in the third round in 2014 and he just finished his rookie contract. It was a four-year, $3 million contract.</p>
<p id="cf3e8w">2014 cap: $582,000<br>2015 cap: $702,000<br>2016 cap: $793,750<br>2017 cap: $1.959 million</p>
<h2 id="EPKPYZ">Comparables</h2>
<p id="69hjDy">Brown is hitting the market at just the right time after leading the NFL is tackles in 2017. In 2016, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/cleveland-browns">Cleveland Browns</a> linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245311/christian-kirksey">Christian Kirksey</a> came in third in tackles (148) and like Brown was picked just a few spots ahead of Brown in the 2014 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> with no Pro Bowls to his name. Kirksey (<a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KirkCh00.htm">Pro Football Reference</a>) and Brown (<a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowPr00.htm">Pro Football Reference</a>) are nearly identical in every statistical category, though Brown had more starts earlier in his career. Kirksey signed a four-year, $38 million deal to stay in Cleveland with a $6 million signing bonus. Like Brown, Kirksey played in 100% of his team’s snaps in 2017.</p>
<p id="CtLClg">SB Nation’s Browns site Dawgs By Nature<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2017/6/21/15845246/breakdown-of-lb-christian-kirkseys-contract-extension-with-the-browns"> did this excellent breakdown of Kirksey’s contract</a>. Cleveland signed him early so he wouldn’t become a free agent and so they could spread the cap hit into 2017, what would have been the final year of his rookie deal. (It should also be noted that Cleveland has more cap space than <s>Jesus</s> Buffalo but also that they need to pay players a premium contract to stay in a downtrodden franchise.)</p>
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<h2 id="fwRDOM">Salary Cap Considerations</h2>
<p id="eqrR7S">Buffalo has less than $21 million in available cap space for 2018 factoring in projected rookie contracts, squeezing their ability to devote big money to free agents. The Kirksey deal was able to spread the new money over five years but it was really a four-year extension. If Buffalo gives him a four-year extension, the cap hits are going to be greater than the one shown above in the first year of Kirksey’s contract.</p>
<p id="CR2tja">Buffalo may need to guarantee more money down the road in order to give him less in salary in 2018 until they clear the dead cap money associated with traded lineman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245633/marcell-dareus">Marcell Dareus</a> and retired players <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/130928/aaron-williams">Aaron Williams</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71167/eric-wood">Eric Wood</a>.</p>
<h2 id="MV6E2e">Contract Projection</h2>
<p id="j0CRL4"><strong>Four years, $38 million including $6 million signing bonus and $14 million guaranteed</strong></p>
<p id="8z6cqd"><strong>2018 </strong><br>Salary: $5 million salary (guaranteed)<br>Pro-rated bonus money: $1.5 million<br>Cap hit: $6.5 million</p>
<p id="pxf1Sw"><strong>2019</strong> <br>Salary: $6.5 million<br>Roster bonus: $3 million (guaranteed)<br>Pro-rated bonus money: $1.5 million<br>Cap hit: $11 million</p>
<p id="JxGMlf"><strong>2020 </strong><br>Salary: $8.5 million salary<br>Pro-rated bonus money: $1.5 million<br>Cap hit: $10 million</p>
<p id="50MJhB"><strong>2021</strong> <br>Salary: $9 million<br>Pro-rated bonus money: $1.5 million<br>Cap hit: $11 million</p>
<ul>
<li id="vhU684">Pros for Brown: Nice guarantees in first two years, more money in signing bonus than he’s earned his whole career, a lot of freaking money</li>
<li id="9cixri">Pros for Bills: Low cap hit in first year, roster bonus could be converted to signing bonus in 2019 to spread out cap hit (as team did in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/130887/charles-clay">Charles Clay</a> deal), ability to get out after 2019 season as a <strong>two-year, $20.5 million deal.</strong>
</li>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/16/17019644/projecting-new-contract-for-buffalo-bills-linebacker-preston-brown-2018-nfl-free-agent-fan-sentimentMatt Warren2018-02-16T08:04:02-05:002018-02-16T08:04:02-05:00Potential upgrades to Preston Brown in the 2018 NFL Draft
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<p>The Bills could be looking for a more impactful linebacker in this years draft</p> <p id="TzGbGQ">Ever since the Buffalo Bills selected linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/114205/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a> in the third round of the 214 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, he has been a mainstay at the linebacker position. While he’s never missed a game due to injury, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294117/preston-brown">Brown</a>’s play during his tenure with the team can only be described as ‘solid.’ He’s well-rounded, which is to say he doesn’t stand out in any particular area. Now with Brown poised to leave in free agency, the Bills may use the 2018 NFL Draft to try to find his replacement.</p>
<p id="4lkHa4">Below are some of the linebackers, primarily those who played middle linebacker in college, that the team will be looking at in the coming draft.</p>
<h3 id="s3OEBS">Tier I</h3>
<h4 id="MTJwHS">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/269521/roquan-smith">Roquan Smith</a>, Georgia<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/260112/tremaine-edmunds">Tremaine Edmunds</a>, Virginia Tech<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/273711/leighton-vander-esch">Leighton Vander Esch</a>, Boise State<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/248124/rashaan-evans">Rashaan Evans</a>, Alabama</h4>
<p id="3gJGxJ">Anyone who watched the College National Championship should know Roquan <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/9906/andre-smith">Smith</a>’s name. That game cemented his status as a first-round prospect who excels at finding the ball carrier and taking him down. His ability to take on blocks needs some work, and in order to play middle linebacker in the NFL, he may have to add some weight. Tremaine Edmunds didn’t receive nearly as much press during the season, but he may be the most athletic linebacker in the class. He also offers great size at 6’5”, 250 pounds. Although a bit of a one-year wonder, Vander Esch’s tackling and instincts are elite. He doesn’t have much tape in coverage, but word is he has the speed for man coverage against running backs and tight ends. Probably the most pro-ready linebacker prospect, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/269870/rashaan-evans">Evans</a> spent time in 2016 as a pass rushing outside linebacker, so he offers some versatility.</p>
<h3 id="wJQA56">Tier II</h3>
<h4 id="BBVu8U">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/271023/malik-jefferson">Malik Jefferson</a>, Texas<br>Darius Leonard, South Carolina State<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/206481/josey-jewell">Josey Jewell</a>, Iowa<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/279464/tre-williams">Tre Williams</a>, Auburn<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/208249/oren-burks">Oren Burks</a>, Vanderbilt</h4>
<p id="x2XAzr">Malik Jefferson is physically gifted, but his instincts are lacking. He gets by on raw athleticism. Standouts at the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a>, Darius Leonard and Tre Williams are at their best when they’re shooting gaps and delivering hits. They have trouble with speed on the edge. What <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/262873/josey-jewell">Josey Jewell</a> lacks in speed and length, he makes up for with instincts and heart. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/269756/oren-burks">Oren Burks</a> is the new-age linebacker. He can line up at middle linebacker, on the edge, as a safety, and in the slot. Because he’s asked to do so much, he’s raw when placed into a traditional linebacker role.</p>
<h3 id="zwaUnS">Tier III</h3>
<h4 id="WieRzc">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/251127/tegray-scales">Tegray Scales</a>, Indiana<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/71203/andre-smith">Andre Smith</a>, UNC<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/206287/mike-mccray">Mike McCray</a>, Michigan<br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/202965/micah-kiser">Micah Kiser</a>, Virginia</h4>
<p id="5VTj2B">If <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/262739/tegray-scales">Tegray Scales</a> were taller and longer, he would be in the first or second tier. As it stands, he’s too small to play middle linebacker in some schemes and coaches will need to work around that. The next three players, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/35308/andre-smith">Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/263134/mike-mccray">McCray</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/players/256576/micah-kiser">Kiser</a>, all lack the coverage speed necessary to be three-down players at the next level. Against the run, they can be phenomenal, but two-down linebackers do not carry much value in the modern NFL. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/16/17015330/buffalo-bills-potential-upgrades-to-middle-linebacker-preston-brown-in-the-2018-nfl-draftgrif2018-02-16T08:03:01-05:002018-02-16T08:03:01-05:005 potential free agent replacements for Preston Brown
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<p>There should be plenty of options available, but should the Bills really pull the trigger?</p> <p id="1cxqtx">Linebacker Preston Brown has manned a huge role for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> the past four seasons. Since being drafted by the Bills in the third round of the 2014 draft, Brown has started in all but two games for the team over his tenure - and even in those two, he still played. </p>
<p id="U9o8Hi">Brown recently said that he felt like head coach Sean McDermott wanted him back next season, and the linebacker himself admits that Buffalo is where he wants to be, but still, with his impending free agency on the way let’s examine whether or not the Bills should keep him or move on.</p>
<p id="N9rPJF">Besides his incredible availability, the Bills have also benefited immensely from Brown’s smarts on the field. Brown has served as the Bills field general - the defensive player calling the plays on the defense and the brain of the unit on the field - for the past two coaching regimes as well as again in 2017 for head coach Sean McDermott. </p>
<p id="5NwFrq">A starter on the team virtually since the day he arrived at One Bills drive, Brown’s production has been good but not great. Since his rookie season, Brown has been an absolute tackling machine - hitting triple-digit marks in each of his four seasons - but his problem, however, is that he doesn’t really provide much of anything else. Brown has just one career sack, and creating turnovers and swatting down passes isn’t part of his game, either. His athleticism is also a concern, but with that said, his tackling is really, really strong - Brown finished the 2017 campaign tied for the league lead in tackles.</p>
<p id="7oWEM1">2017 stats: 144 tackles, 0.0 sacks, and 0 forced fumbles<br>Career stats: 512 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 4 forced fumbles<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/preston-brown-14483/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: four years, $33,800,740/$8,450,185 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fpreston-brown%2F8708" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 42</p>
<h2 id="0XZDIG"><strong>Other Pending LB Free Agents</strong></h2>
<h3 id="ZQamaW">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245726/avery-williamson">Avery Williamson</a>, 25, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/tennessee-titans">Tennessee Titans</a> UFA</h3>
<p id="6jC3pB">Williamson is a fellow inside linebacker. His strong all-around production combined with his youth will probably help Willamson land a huge payday on the open market. He’s projected by Spotrac to get the biggest contract of all the players mentioned here.</p>
<p id="MbHxpZ">2017 stats: 92 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles<br>Career stats: 377 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/avery-williamson-14562/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: four years, $36,423,496/$9,105,874 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Favery-williamson%2F8786" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 10</p>
<h3 id="hKt430">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245481/anthony-hitchens">Anthony Hitchens</a>,25, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys">Dallas Cowboys</a> UFA</h3>
<p id="ERfDuo">Hitchens is on the smaller side (6’0”, 235 lbs.) and his stats aren’t better than Brown’s overall, but he does grade out better. The folks over at PFF have declared Hitchens the 20th-best linebacker in the league. He might also be appealing to the Bills because he projects to command less money than Brown.</p>
<p id="xHsv42">2017 stats: 84 tackles, 0.0 sacks, and 0 forced fumbles<br>Career stats: 304 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/anthony-hitchens-14530/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: four years, $25,641,504/$6,410,376 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fanthony-hitchens%2F8754" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 20</p>
<h3 id="hBb1by">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/155070/tahir-whitehead">Tahir Whitehead</a>, 27, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/detroit-lions">Detroit Lions</a> UFA</h3>
<p id="GQx6o9"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/296348/tahir-whitehead">Whitehead</a>, a couple of years older than Brown, is also largely just a high-volume tackler, but he does get his hands on passes and will even come away with an interception or two. </p>
<p id="6Tv55W">2017 stats: 110 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 0 forced fumbles<br>Career stats: 398 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/tahir-whitehead-9959/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: four years, $34,139,704/$8,534,926 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Ftahir-whitehead%2F7135" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 25</p>
<h3 id="RA4sPW">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/155016/nigel-bradham">Nigel Bradham</a>, 28, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/philadelphia-eagles">Philadelphia Eagles</a> UFA</h3>
<p id="SDvL4W">Bills fans are very familiar with Bradham, who the team drafted in 2012 and had spend the first four years of his career with. He’s another guy that will give you a little bit of everything at the linebacker position and his project salary is extremely attractive.</p>
<p id="9tYD2V">2017 stats: 88 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 1 forced fumble<br>Career stats: 343 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/nigel-bradham-9918/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: two years, $11,858,602/$5,929,301 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fnigel-bradham%2F7105" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 21</p>
<h3 id="r8CK1c">
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/154906/demario-davis">Demario Davis</a>, 29, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-york-jets">New York Jets</a> UFA</h3>
<p id="Wlu2xs">Like Hitchens, Davis is also on the small side (6’2”, 239 lbs.) but he’s a sack machine. He’s had multiple sacks the past four seasons, including five in 2017. Like Brown and Williamson, Davis is a natural inside backer.</p>
<p id="MxM9ob">2017 stats: 135 tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 0 forced fumble<br>Career stats: 583 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble<br><a href="http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/demario-davis-9887/market-value/">Spotrac Market Value</a>: three years, $15,376,212/$5,125,404 average annually <br><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fdemario-davis%2F7079" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus LB Ranking</a>: No. 8</p>
<h2 id="jlfVRe">Verdict</h2>
<p id="gDBNjc">Free agency looks like it will provide the Bills with better options than what they have in Brown. Although it should be pointed out that none of the other players named are leaps and bounds better than Brown, the difference between them and him is only marginal. But because he’s expected to command such a large amount of money this offseason, if I were the one with deciding whether or not to retain Brown, I would opt to test my luck in free agency. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/16/17018918/5-potential-free-agent-replacements-buffalo-bills-linebacker-preston-brownTristan Garnett2018-02-16T08:02:01-05:002018-02-16T08:02:01-05:00Bills lack internal options to replace Preston Brown
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<p>Like many other positions, it’s slim pickings among the current roster</p> <p id="HrYKze">Middle linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245630/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a> not only led the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a> in total tackles in 2017 (144), he led the NFL for stops during the regular season. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294117/preston-brown">Brown</a>, 25, came up with 84 solo stops, with many of those tackles occurring down field. He logged seven games with 10+ tackles, including 15 combined stops during a Week 16 loss to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/new-england-patriots">New England Patriots</a>.</p>
<p id="M15CLi">Over the final three weeks of the season, Brown was in on a league-high 37 tackles, but despite such gaudy tackling stats, Brown earned an overall grade of average (71.6) from Pro Football Focus and graded out as the 42nd best linebacker in the league. </p>
<p id="8yxG3X">Brown, one of 16 unrestricted free agents, is 25 years old, and can either re-sign with the Bills or he can test out free agency. </p>
<p id="uc51SZ">As a middle linebacker, Brown showed in 2017 that he lacks the speed to keep up in man coverage. His abilities in the run game are below-average, too, as he seems to lack the athleticism and instincts to make big plays in front of him. </p>
<p id="gsVCi6">Tackling has been Brown’s strength since he was drafted 73rd overall (third round) out of the University of Louisville in the 2014 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. Brown has recorded 100-plus tackles every year he’s been with the Bills, with his tackle totals rising from 108 in his rookie year, to 117 in 2015, 135 in 2016, and a career-high 144 tackles in 2017. </p>
<p id="nkIAlc">If the Bills decide to move on from Brown, who in the past had shown an ability to play all three linebacker spots, there isn’t a lot of internal talent to replace Brown’s productivity. </p>
<p id="SeufJV">Second-year linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286012/matt-milano">Matt Milano</a> has made a name for himself on the weak side after a solid rookie campaign that saw him appear in 16 games (five starts) with 49 tackles (32 solo). His signature play was a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown during a 34-14 win over the Oakland Raiders in Week 8. </p>
<p id="dB0tiT">There are questions about the future of starting strong-side linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1515/lorenzo-alexander">Lorenzo Alexander</a>, who turns 35 in May. The Bills’ brass would be wise to keep Milano on the weak side, especially if Alexander doesn’t return in 2018. Otherwise, that would mean Buffalo would have new faces at all three linebacker positions. </p>
<p id="tUR1rl">When the 2017 season ended, then-rookie <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/286023/tanner-vallejo">Tanner Vallejo</a> was listed as Brown’s primary backup. In his first season out of Boise State, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294176/tanner-vallejo">Vallejo</a>, a sixth-round draft pick, appeared in 15 games, primarily on special teams. He made four tackles with two solo stops, and it would appear to be asking a lot for this inexperienced linebacker to take over as the quarterback of the defense. </p>
<p id="UdnhiC">Veteran weak-side linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/77986/ramon-humber">Ramon Humber</a> was producing as a starter before breaking his thumb in a Week 4 win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294141/ramon-humber">Humber</a>, who appeared in 13 games (nine starts) finished with 89 total tackles (60 solo) with one interception. Humber does not seem like a candidate to slide over to middle linebacker to replace Brown and is a free agent. </p>
<p id="VLlOn8"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/285401/deon-lacey">Deon Lacey</a>, who appeared in all 16 games, finished with nine tackles primarily as a special teams contributor. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294147/deon-lacey">Lacey</a>, who was listed as the backup strong-side linebacker at the end of the 2017 season, does not have NFL experience as a middle linebacker. </p>
<p id="D7XQtS">The bottom line is, if the Bills don’t retain Brown’s services, they will have to turn to the draft, free agency, or a trade to replace Brown. As far as internal options go, the cupboard is pretty bare. </p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/16/17013766/buffalo-bills-internal-options-to-replace-preston-brown-2018-nfl-offseasonJohn Boccacino2018-02-16T08:01:13-05:002018-02-16T08:01:13-05:00All-22 analysis: Preston Brown doesn’t stand out
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<p>The NFL’s 2017 regular season leader in tackles often fails to jump off the screen</p> <p id="EUoTcw">A third-round pick in the 2014 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a> began <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245630/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a>’s career with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/buffalo-bills">Buffalo Bills</a>. If the best “ability” is “availability,” then Brown has it in spades. Brown has appeared in all 65 games (regular and post season) the Bills have played since selecting him, starting all but two. </p>
<p id="ZtJZUn">Brown has done more than just start in fact, being entrusted with the radio equipped helmet for defense by three separate coaching regimes. This past season saw Brown making nutrition changes to shed weight and play faster. You may remember his pivotal role in the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2016/8/7/12393738/preston-brown-s-sweet-tooth-the-reason-behind-practice-hoodies">culture of candy</a> for several years. Lifestyle changes and a verbalized desire to remain with Buffalo make him seem like quite the “process-y” type of player. But does his play on the field inspire the same confidence as his attitude?</p>
<h4 id="7Sfr0G">Play 1</h4>
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<p id="mx31G2">Preston Brown is all over diagnosing this play and reacts quickly. There’s a brief moment he contemplates shooting the highlighted gap but rapidly makes the right decision to streak toward the sideline to be in the best position to help. He adjusts angles on the move and would be right there to clean up if <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/1515/lorenzo-alexander">Lorenzo Alexander</a> misses the tackle. Also of note, he’s step for step with Alexander as they move across the field. For the 2017 season, both players were roughly the same size. Alexander’s nine-year head start in age however, suggests if there’s a compliment here it goes to Alexander. </p>
<h4 id="ON7OWS">Play 2</h4>
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<p id="muGwl0">This is why Brown gets the radio helmet. He’s directing the defense even as the play starts, making sure the team is looking in the right direction. Most notable here is that he’s got it right. As he slides over to cover his zone, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294112/lorenzo-alexander">Lorenzo Alexander</a> and Tre’Davious White can’t make it over fast enough to prevent the catch. The play pauses slightly at the end. Though the All-22 misses some of it, the two appear to chat about the breakdown. </p>
<h4 id="rU71JS">Play 3</h4>
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<p id="Trj7Pl">It seems like Brown’s not really doing anything at the start of the play, but this is the scheme in action. Brown covers this area of the field quite a bit by waiting and reacting. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/254443/melvin-gordon">Melvin Gordon</a> (28) is the safety valve for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245902/philip-rivers">Philip Rivers</a> here, but Brown’s position takes him out of the equation. Note Brown’s speed in reacting and play recognition as soon as the ball is in the air. He turns right to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/193491/keenan-allen">Keenan Allen</a> (13) despite having his back turned to the route. He takes a good angle and makes the right adjustment to make the tackle. Allen is wide open to make the catch as a result of Alexander and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245811/e-j-gaines">E.J. Gaines</a> both biting on the route from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/276710/hunter-henry">Hunter Henry</a> (86).</p>
<h4 id="eGed6I">Play 4</h4>
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<p id="k25Nnd"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294134/e-j-gaines">E.J. Gaines</a> is credited with the tackle here, but Preston Brown helps make sure for no gain. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/256061/melvin-gordon">Melvin Gordon</a> stutters like he wants to bring it back inside as he slips off a tackle attempt by Jerry Hughes. Brown has gotten far enough in the gap to shut down that option and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/296099/melvin-gordon">Gordon</a> elects to turn it into a footrace to the sideline, but Gaines is able to get enough ankle to make the play. </p>
<h4 id="APqfVG">Play 5</h4>
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<p id="szM8fN">Brown sees that it’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/276727/derek-watt">Derek Watt</a> (34) getting the ball right away and shadows him relatively well. He makes the mistake of trying to sidestep right guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/245053/michael-schofield">Michael Schofield</a> rather than drive into him, which gives him a poor angle to shed the block. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/296170/michael-schofield">Schofield</a> doesn’t have much trouble turning Brown around and completely taking him out of the play. </p>
<h4 id="sZDZuK">Further Thoughts</h4>
<p id="lqrnLO">If One Bills Drive places a premium on stats when considering players, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/294117/preston-brown">Preston Brown</a> has that locked down. In 2017, he was the regular season leader for the entire league in tackle (144 combined). While this was his best season statistically, he has racked up solid numbers every year he’s been in the league. A small part of this is due to his omnipresence on the field. His rookie year was the low water mark in playing time with a ”scant” 93% of defensive snaps. The last two years he has fallen just shy of 100%. While it’s common for teams to have a linebacker on the field all game, Brown’s counts highlight durability and reliability. </p>
<p id="IAHHo7">As noted though, snap counts are only part of the story. Seven linebackers had more solo tackles than Brown, while an eighth tied him at 84. Brown’s total tackle numbers are greatly helped by his assists. At 60, he leads linebackers, with only three other players breaking the 50 mark. There’s an excellent argument that assists are a good metric for linebackers as they demonstrate the player was in the mix on the play. On the flip side, assists are also often an indicator that the player was a little later than someone else. Make no mistake, his numbers are good and it would take a miracle to lead the league in tackles without talent. But “league leader” only tells a partial story. </p>
<p id="GvJ63l">When reviewing film of Brown, it can be hard to reconcile his high tackle count with what you’re seeing. His speed is often underwhelming as seen above. He’s often a step or two behind in coverage, which is reflected in his low number of defended passes. At 3 on the year, he’s tied for 35th among linebackers. He has only 10 in his entire four-year career. This is equal to, or less than, 3 linebackers’ numbers in 2017 alone. He isn’t the strongest player either. Brown is nearly identically sized to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/108452/jerry-hughes">Jerry Hughes,</a> but their ability to drive people back or push them aside are night and day. Brown’s high tackle rate is a model lesson on the importance of what’s between an athlete’s ears. Brown’s best on field trait is 100% his ability to diagnose the play and get himself over to where the action is. </p>
<h4 id="AWRv6O">Decision Time</h4>
<p id="XOoiRT">Preston Brown took active steps improving his health this last year, which arguably helped him have his best year so far as a pro. The recency of this change could mean he’ll continue to improve. Even in consideration of this though, it’s very difficult to watch Brown and not come away thinking you could upgrade the position. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Buffalo Bills try exactly that. </p>
<p id="bQBkrZ">The only point of reluctance in letting Brown go is the mental part of his game. The 2015 and 2016 seasons were plagued by confusion on the defensive side of the ball. Brown didn’t shy away from <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/12/23/add-late-play-calls-to-list-of-bills-defensive-issues/">pointing the finger</a> at the coaching staff. This appeared to be a resolved issue in 2017, which suggests the team communicated better on defense hinting that Brown wasn’t the issue. </p>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2018/2/16/17016238/all-22-analysis-buffalo-bills-preston-brown-2018-nfl-free-agent-linebackerSkarekrow